Aplicações industriais envolvendo escoamentos multifásicos são inúmeras, sendo que, o aprimoramento de alguns desses processos pode resultar em um grande salto tecnológico com significativo impacto econômico. O estudo numérico dessas aplicações é imprescindível, pois fornece informações precisas e mais detalhadas do que a realização de testes experimentais. Um grande desafio é o estudo numérico de escoamentos viscoelásticos multifásicos envolvendo altas taxa de elasticidade, devido às instabilidades causadas por altas tensões elásticas, grandes deformações, e até mudanças topológicas na interface. Assim, a investigação numérica desse tipo de problema exige uma formulação precisa e robusta. No presente trabalho, um novo resolvedor de escoamentos bifásicos envolvendo fluidos complexos é apresentado, com particular interesse em escoamentos com altas taxas de elasticidade. A formulação proposta é baseada no método Volume-of-fluid (VOF) para representação da interface e no algoritmo Continuum Surface Force (CSF) para o balanço de forças na interface. A curvatura e advecção da interface são calculados via métodos geométricos para garantir a precisão dos resultados. Métodos de estabilização são utilizados quando números críticos de Weissenberg (Wi) são encontrados, devido ao famoso problema do alto número de Weissenberg (HWNP). O método da projeção, combinado com um método implícito para solução da equação da quantidade de movimento, são discretizados por um esquema de diferenças finitas em uma malha deslocada. Problemas de benchmarks foram resolvidos para acessar a precisão numérica da formulação em diferentes níveis de complexidade física, tal como representação e advecção da interface, influência das forças interfaciais, e características reológicas do fluido. A fim de demonstrar a capacidade do novo resolvedor, dois problemas bifásicos transientes, envolvendo fluidos viscoelásticos, foram resolvidos: o efeito de Weissenberg e o reômetro extensional (CaBER). O efeito de Weissenberg ou rod-climbing effect consiste em um bastão que gira dentro de um recipiente com fluido viscoelástico e, devido às forças elásticas, o fluido escala o bastão. Os resultados foram comparados com dados teóricos, numéricos e experimentais, encontrados na literatura para pequenas velocidades angulares. Além disso, resultados obtidos com altas velocidades angulares (alta elasticidade) são apresentados com o modelo Oldroyd-B, em que escaladas muito elevadas foram observadas. Valores críticos da velocidade angular foram identificados, e para valores acima foi observada a ocorrência de instabilidades elásticas, originadas pela combinação de tensões elásticas, curvatura interfacial, e escoamentos secundários. Até onde sabemos, numericamente, essas instabilidades nunca foram capturadas antes. O CaBER consiste no comportamento e colapso de um filamento de fluido viscoelástico, formado entre duas placas paralelas devido às forças capilares. Esse experimento envolve consideráveis dificuldades, dentre as quais podemos destacar a grande influência das forças capilares e a diferença de escalas de comprimento no escoamento. Em grande parte dos resultados encontrados na literatura, o CaBER é resolvido por modelos simplificados em uma dimensão. Resultados obtidos foram comparados com tais resultados da literatura e com soluções teóricas, apresentando admirável precisão. / Industrial applications involving multiphase flow are numerous. The improvement of some of these processes can result in a major technological leap with significant economic impact. The numerical study of these applications is essential because it provides accurate and more detailed information than conducting experiments. A challenge is the numerical study of high viscoelastic multiphase flows due to instabilities caused by the high elastic tension, large deformations and even topological changes in the interface. Thus the numerical investigation of this problem requires a robust formulation. In this study a new two-phase solver involving complex fluids is presented, with particular interest in the solution of highly elastic flows of viscoelastic fluids. The proposed formulation is based on the volume-of-fluid method (VOF) to interface representation and continuum surface force algorithm (CSF) for the balance of forces in the interface. The curvature and interface advection are calculated via geometric methods to ensure the accuracy of the results. Stabilization methods are used when critical Weissenberg numbers are found due to the famous high Weissenberg number problem (HWNP). The projection method combined with an implicit method for the solution of the momentum equation are discretized by a finite difference scheme in a staggered grid. Benchmark test problems are solved in order to access the numerical accuracy of different levels of physical complexities, such as the dynamic of the interface and the role of fluid rheology. In order to demonstrate the ability of the new resolver, two-phase transient problems involving viscoelastic fluids have been solved, theWeissenberg effect problem and the extensional rheometer (CaBER). The Weissenberg effect problem or rod-climbing effect consists of a rod that spins inside of a container with viscoelastic fluid and due to the elastic forces the fluid climbs the rod. The results were compared with numerical and experimental data from the literature for small angular velocities. Moreover results obtained for high angular velocities are presented using the Oldroyd-B model, which showed high climbing heights. Critical values of the angular speed have been identified. For values above a critical level were observed the occurrence of elastic instabilities caused by the combination of elastic tension, interfacial curvature and secondary flows. To our knowledge, numerically these instabilities were never captured before. The CaBER consists of the behavior and collapse of a viscoelastic fluid filament formed between two parallel plates due to capillary forces. This experiment involves considerable difficulties, among which we can highlight the great influence of the capillary forces and the difference of the length scales in the flow. In much of the results found in the literature, the CaBER is solved by simplified models. The results were compared with results reported in the literature and theoretical solutions, which showed remarkable accuracy.

Tsunamis are one of the most catastrophic natural events impacting coastal regions often generated by undersea earthquakes. Nevertheless, in enclosed basins, i.e., fjords, reservoirs and lakes, subaerial or submarine landslides can initiate devastating tsunamis with similar consequences. Although a subaerial or submarine landslide that impinges into a large water body can generate a tsunami, subaerial landslides are much more efficient tsunami generators than its counterpart. In this study we aim to integrate laboratory scale experiments of tsunami generation by subaerial landslide with numerical models. The work focuses on the numerical validation of two three-dimensional Navier-Stokes (3D-NS) models, FLOW-3D and our developed model TSUNAMI3D. The models are validated based on previous large scale laboratory experiments performed by a tsunami research team lead by Dr. Hermann Fritz, Georgia Institute of Technology. Three large scale landslide scenarios were selected from the set of laboratory experiments, namely, fjord like, headland and far field coastline. These scenarios showed that complex wave fields can be generated by subaerial landslides. The correct definition and evolution of the wave field are key to accurate modeling the ensuing tsunami and its effect in coastal regions. In this study, comparisons are performed between numerical results and laboratory experiments. Methodology and key parameters for soil rheology are defined for model validations. Results of the models are expected to be under the allowable errors indicated by the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guidelines for validation of tsunami numerical models. The ultimate goal of this research is to obtain better tsunami calculation tools for real-world application of 3-D models for landslide tsunamis, which are necessary for the construction of inundation maps in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean regions.

O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo numérico bidimensional sobre a otimização da geometria de um dispositivo conversor de energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. O objetivo principal é, através da modelagem computacional de um dispositivo cujo principio de funcionamento é o de Coluna de Água Oscilante (CAO) e do emprego de Constructal Design, maximizar a conversão da energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. Essa técnica é baseada na Teoria Constructal. O aspecto inédito deste trabalho, em relação aos estudos disponíveis na literatura, é o fato de levar em conta o clima de ondas de uma dada região e, a partir disso, dimensionar o dispositivo de modo que ele tenha um desempenho otimizado. Para tanto, foi empregado o método Constructal Design, os graus de liberdade empregados são: H1/L (razão entre a altura e o comprimento da câmara CAO) e H3 (profundidade de submersão do dispositivo CAO). A relação H2/l (razão entre altura e comprimento da chaminé de saída da câmara CAO) é considerada um parâmetro fixo. Foram realizados estudos levando em conta uma onda em escala de laboratório e um espectro de ondas real. Foi também realizado um estudo sobre a influência da perda de carga da turbina através de uma restrição física. Para a solução numérica foi empregado um código comercial de dinâmica dos fluidos computacional, FLUENT®, baseado no Método de Volumes Finitos (MVF). A geometria e a geração a malha foi realizada no software GAMBIT®. O modelo multifásico Volume of Fluid (VOF) é aplicado no tratamento da interação água-ar. O domínio computacional é representado por um tanque de ondas com o dispositivo CAO acoplado. Os resultados obtidos mostram que é possível estabelecer uma razão de H1/L ótimo, conhecendo-se o clima de ondas, ou seja, o recomendável é que esta razão seja igual a quatro vezes a altura da onda dividido pelo comprimento da onda incidente. / The present work presents a two-dimensional numerical study about the geometric optimization of an ocean Wave Energy Converter (WEC) into electrical energy. The main goal is, through computational modeling of a device whose operating principle is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) and from employment Constructal Design, to maximize the conversion of energy of ocean waves into electricity. This technique is based on Constructal Theory. The inedited aspect of this work comparing to the available studies is that it takes into account the wave climate of a given region to design the device so that it achieves optimum performance. Constructal Design is employed varying the degrees of freedom H1/L (ratio between the height and length of OWC chamber) and H3 (lip submergence). While the relation H2/l (ratio between height and length of chimney) is kept fixed. Studies were performed considering a wave on a laboratory scale and a spectrum of real waves. Yet a study of the influence of the turbine pressure losses was performed using a physical constraint. For the numerical solution it is used the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) commercial code FLUENT®, based on the Finite Volume Method (FVM). The geometry and mesh generation was performed in GAMBIT ® software. The multiphasic Volume of Fluid (VOF) model is applied to tackle with the water-air interaction. The computational domain is represented by an OWC device coupled with the wave tank. The results show that it is possible to establish a relationship of H1 / L optimum, if the wave climate is know. It is recommended that this ratio be equal to four times the height of the wave divided by the length of the incident wave.

Orientador: Geraldo de Freitas Maciel / Banca: Sérgio Said Mansur / Banca: Jean Paul Vila / Resumo: Denominam-se problemas tipo rompimento de barreira os fenômenos nos quais um fluido é liberado de maneira abrupta. Quando o fluido apresenta natureza hiperconcentrada, a relação entre a tensão de cisalhamento e a taxa de deformação pode se tornar não-linear, passando a apresentar reologia não-Newtoniana. Problemas deste tipo podem ser encontrados em muitos fenômenos tanto na natureza quanto em processos industriais. O estudo de tal problema é, geralmente, conduzido usando simplificações, como a aproximação de águas rasas e a separação do escoamento em regimes dominantemente inerciais ou viscosos. O presente trabalho é composto de duas partes, uma experimental e outra, numérica. No campo experimental, duas soluções controladas são usadas: soluções aquosas de açúcar e de Carbopol 940, esta última com várias concentrações volumétricas. O aparato experimental consiste em um canal retangular de acrílico, contendo uma comporta, a montante da qual, o fluido é retido e, pela ruptura (levantamento da comporta), começa a escoar. O escoamento é estudado através de técnicas avançadas de filmagem. No campo numérico, são realizadas simulações usando o programa CFX, no qual é usado um método de rastreamento de interface, o VOF e sem o emprego das simplificações citadas. Os resultados experimentais são comparados com os numéricos e com resultados da literatura que usam tais simplificações. Na comparação a aproximação de águas rasas, apesar de descrever bem a forma da interface, se distancia dos valores reais da posição da frente de onda. / Abstract: The dam break problem describes a phenomenon in which there is an abrupt release of fluid. When the fluid is hiperconcentrated, the relation between the shear stress and the strain rate can become non-linear, and so present a non-Newtonian rheology. The non-Newtonian dam break problem may be found in many phenomena in nature and industrial process. The study of such a problem is, generally, conducted using simplified hypothesis such as the shallow water approximation and the separation of the flow in inertial and viscous dominated regimes. The present work is composed of two parts, one experimental and other, numerical. In the experimental field, two controlled solutions were used: water solutions of sugar and of Carbopol 940, the last one with a wide range of volume concentrations. These fluids have, respectively, Newtonian and non-Newtonian rheologies. The experimental setup consists of an acrylic rectangular channel, which has a dam and upstream of that the fluid is retained and, by the rupture, it begins to flow. The flow is studied by using advanced filming techniques. In the numerical field, simulations are conducted using the CFX software, which uses an interface tracking method, the VOF, and without the shallow water approximation and the division of the flow. So the experimental, numerical and literature results, that uses such simplifications, are compared and it is showed that the shallow water approximation, however describes very well the shape of the surface, is not accurate in calculate the wave front position. / Mestre

O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo numérico bidimensional sobre a otimização da geometria de um dispositivo conversor de energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. O objetivo principal é, através da modelagem computacional de um dispositivo cujo principio de funcionamento é o de Coluna de Água Oscilante (CAO) e do emprego de Constructal Design, maximizar a conversão da energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. Essa técnica é baseada na Teoria Constructal. O aspecto inédito deste trabalho, em relação aos estudos disponíveis na literatura, é o fato de levar em conta o clima de ondas de uma dada região e, a partir disso, dimensionar o dispositivo de modo que ele tenha um desempenho otimizado. Para tanto, foi empregado o método Constructal Design, os graus de liberdade empregados são: H1/L (razão entre a altura e o comprimento da câmara CAO) e H3 (profundidade de submersão do dispositivo CAO). A relação H2/l (razão entre altura e comprimento da chaminé de saída da câmara CAO) é considerada um parâmetro fixo. Foram realizados estudos levando em conta uma onda em escala de laboratório e um espectro de ondas real. Foi também realizado um estudo sobre a influência da perda de carga da turbina através de uma restrição física. Para a solução numérica foi empregado um código comercial de dinâmica dos fluidos computacional, FLUENT®, baseado no Método de Volumes Finitos (MVF). A geometria e a geração a malha foi realizada no software GAMBIT®. O modelo multifásico Volume of Fluid (VOF) é aplicado no tratamento da interação água-ar. O domínio computacional é representado por um tanque de ondas com o dispositivo CAO acoplado. Os resultados obtidos mostram que é possível estabelecer uma razão de H1/L ótimo, conhecendo-se o clima de ondas, ou seja, o recomendável é que esta razão seja igual a quatro vezes a altura da onda dividido pelo comprimento da onda incidente. / The present work presents a two-dimensional numerical study about the geometric optimization of an ocean Wave Energy Converter (WEC) into electrical energy. The main goal is, through computational modeling of a device whose operating principle is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) and from employment Constructal Design, to maximize the conversion of energy of ocean waves into electricity. This technique is based on Constructal Theory. The inedited aspect of this work comparing to the available studies is that it takes into account the wave climate of a given region to design the device so that it achieves optimum performance. Constructal Design is employed varying the degrees of freedom H1/L (ratio between the height and length of OWC chamber) and H3 (lip submergence). While the relation H2/l (ratio between height and length of chimney) is kept fixed. Studies were performed considering a wave on a laboratory scale and a spectrum of real waves. Yet a study of the influence of the turbine pressure losses was performed using a physical constraint. For the numerical solution it is used the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) commercial code FLUENT®, based on the Finite Volume Method (FVM). The geometry and mesh generation was performed in GAMBIT ® software. The multiphasic Volume of Fluid (VOF) model is applied to tackle with the water-air interaction. The computational domain is represented by an OWC device coupled with the wave tank. The results show that it is possible to establish a relationship of H1 / L optimum, if the wave climate is know. It is recommended that this ratio be equal to four times the height of the wave divided by the length of the incident wave.

O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo numérico bidimensional sobre a otimização da geometria de um dispositivo conversor de energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. O objetivo principal é, através da modelagem computacional de um dispositivo cujo principio de funcionamento é o de Coluna de Água Oscilante (CAO) e do emprego de Constructal Design, maximizar a conversão da energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. Essa técnica é baseada na Teoria Constructal. O aspecto inédito deste trabalho, em relação aos estudos disponíveis na literatura, é o fato de levar em conta o clima de ondas de uma dada região e, a partir disso, dimensionar o dispositivo de modo que ele tenha um desempenho otimizado. Para tanto, foi empregado o método Constructal Design, os graus de liberdade empregados são: H1/L (razão entre a altura e o comprimento da câmara CAO) e H3 (profundidade de submersão do dispositivo CAO). A relação H2/l (razão entre altura e comprimento da chaminé de saída da câmara CAO) é considerada um parâmetro fixo. Foram realizados estudos levando em conta uma onda em escala de laboratório e um espectro de ondas real. Foi também realizado um estudo sobre a influência da perda de carga da turbina através de uma restrição física. Para a solução numérica foi empregado um código comercial de dinâmica dos fluidos computacional, FLUENT®, baseado no Método de Volumes Finitos (MVF). A geometria e a geração a malha foi realizada no software GAMBIT®. O modelo multifásico Volume of Fluid (VOF) é aplicado no tratamento da interação água-ar. O domínio computacional é representado por um tanque de ondas com o dispositivo CAO acoplado. Os resultados obtidos mostram que é possível estabelecer uma razão de H1/L ótimo, conhecendo-se o clima de ondas, ou seja, o recomendável é que esta razão seja igual a quatro vezes a altura da onda dividido pelo comprimento da onda incidente. / The present work presents a two-dimensional numerical study about the geometric optimization of an ocean Wave Energy Converter (WEC) into electrical energy. The main goal is, through computational modeling of a device whose operating principle is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) and from employment Constructal Design, to maximize the conversion of energy of ocean waves into electricity. This technique is based on Constructal Theory. The inedited aspect of this work comparing to the available studies is that it takes into account the wave climate of a given region to design the device so that it achieves optimum performance. Constructal Design is employed varying the degrees of freedom H1/L (ratio between the height and length of OWC chamber) and H3 (lip submergence). While the relation H2/l (ratio between height and length of chimney) is kept fixed. Studies were performed considering a wave on a laboratory scale and a spectrum of real waves. Yet a study of the influence of the turbine pressure losses was performed using a physical constraint. For the numerical solution it is used the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) commercial code FLUENT®, based on the Finite Volume Method (FVM). The geometry and mesh generation was performed in GAMBIT ® software. The multiphasic Volume of Fluid (VOF) model is applied to tackle with the water-air interaction. The computational domain is represented by an OWC device coupled with the wave tank. The results show that it is possible to establish a relationship of H1 / L optimum, if the wave climate is know. It is recommended that this ratio be equal to four times the height of the wave divided by the length of the incident wave.

Aplicações industriais envolvendo escoamentos multifásicos são inúmeras, sendo que, o aprimoramento de alguns desses processos pode resultar em um grande salto tecnológico com significativo impacto econômico. O estudo numérico dessas aplicações é imprescindível, pois fornece informações precisas e mais detalhadas do que a realização de testes experimentais. Um grande desafio é o estudo numérico de escoamentos viscoelásticos multifásicos envolvendo altas taxa de elasticidade, devido às instabilidades causadas por altas tensões elásticas, grandes deformações, e até mudanças topológicas na interface. Assim, a investigação numérica desse tipo de problema exige uma formulação precisa e robusta. No presente trabalho, um novo resolvedor de escoamentos bifásicos envolvendo fluidos complexos é apresentado, com particular interesse em escoamentos com altas taxas de elasticidade. A formulação proposta é baseada no método Volume-of-fluid (VOF) para representação da interface e no algoritmo Continuum Surface Force (CSF) para o balanço de forças na interface. A curvatura e advecção da interface são calculados via métodos geométricos para garantir a precisão dos resultados. Métodos de estabilização são utilizados quando números críticos de Weissenberg (Wi) são encontrados, devido ao famoso problema do alto número de Weissenberg (HWNP). O método da projeção, combinado com um método implícito para solução da equação da quantidade de movimento, são discretizados por um esquema de diferenças finitas em uma malha deslocada. Problemas de benchmarks foram resolvidos para acessar a precisão numérica da formulação em diferentes níveis de complexidade física, tal como representação e advecção da interface, influência das forças interfaciais, e características reológicas do fluido. A fim de demonstrar a capacidade do novo resolvedor, dois problemas bifásicos transientes, envolvendo fluidos viscoelásticos, foram resolvidos: o efeito de Weissenberg e o reômetro extensional (CaBER). O efeito de Weissenberg ou rod-climbing effect consiste em um bastão que gira dentro de um recipiente com fluido viscoelástico e, devido às forças elásticas, o fluido escala o bastão. Os resultados foram comparados com dados teóricos, numéricos e experimentais, encontrados na literatura para pequenas velocidades angulares. Além disso, resultados obtidos com altas velocidades angulares (alta elasticidade) são apresentados com o modelo Oldroyd-B, em que escaladas muito elevadas foram observadas. Valores críticos da velocidade angular foram identificados, e para valores acima foi observada a ocorrência de instabilidades elásticas, originadas pela combinação de tensões elásticas, curvatura interfacial, e escoamentos secundários. Até onde sabemos, numericamente, essas instabilidades nunca foram capturadas antes. O CaBER consiste no comportamento e colapso de um filamento de fluido viscoelástico, formado entre duas placas paralelas devido às forças capilares. Esse experimento envolve consideráveis dificuldades, dentre as quais podemos destacar a grande influência das forças capilares e a diferença de escalas de comprimento no escoamento. Em grande parte dos resultados encontrados na literatura, o CaBER é resolvido por modelos simplificados em uma dimensão. Resultados obtidos foram comparados com tais resultados da literatura e com soluções teóricas, apresentando admirável precisão. / Industrial applications involving multiphase flow are numerous. The improvement of some of these processes can result in a major technological leap with significant economic impact. The numerical study of these applications is essential because it provides accurate and more detailed information than conducting experiments. A challenge is the numerical study of high viscoelastic multiphase flows due to instabilities caused by the high elastic tension, large deformations and even topological changes in the interface. Thus the numerical investigation of this problem requires a robust formulation. In this study a new two-phase solver involving complex fluids is presented, with particular interest in the solution of highly elastic flows of viscoelastic fluids. The proposed formulation is based on the volume-of-fluid method (VOF) to interface representation and continuum surface force algorithm (CSF) for the balance of forces in the interface. The curvature and interface advection are calculated via geometric methods to ensure the accuracy of the results. Stabilization methods are used when critical Weissenberg numbers are found due to the famous high Weissenberg number problem (HWNP). The projection method combined with an implicit method for the solution of the momentum equation are discretized by a finite difference scheme in a staggered grid. Benchmark test problems are solved in order to access the numerical accuracy of different levels of physical complexities, such as the dynamic of the interface and the role of fluid rheology. In order to demonstrate the ability of the new resolver, two-phase transient problems involving viscoelastic fluids have been solved, theWeissenberg effect problem and the extensional rheometer (CaBER). The Weissenberg effect problem or rod-climbing effect consists of a rod that spins inside of a container with viscoelastic fluid and due to the elastic forces the fluid climbs the rod. The results were compared with numerical and experimental data from the literature for small angular velocities. Moreover results obtained for high angular velocities are presented using the Oldroyd-B model, which showed high climbing heights. Critical values of the angular speed have been identified. For values above a critical level were observed the occurrence of elastic instabilities caused by the combination of elastic tension, interfacial curvature and secondary flows. To our knowledge, numerically these instabilities were never captured before. The CaBER consists of the behavior and collapse of a viscoelastic fluid filament formed between two parallel plates due to capillary forces. This experiment involves considerable difficulties, among which we can highlight the great influence of the capillary forces and the difference of the length scales in the flow. In much of the results found in the literature, the CaBER is solved by simplified models. The results were compared with results reported in the literature and theoretical solutions, which showed remarkable accuracy.

It is well known that surface tension of a liquid has a decisive role in flow dynamics and the eventual equilibrium state, especially in confined flows under low gravity conditions and also in free surface flows. One such instance of a combination of these two cases where surface tension plays an important role is in the microgravity environment of a spacecraft propellant tank. In this specific case both propellant acquisition and residual propellant estimation are critical to the mission objectives particularly in the end-of-life phase. While there have been a few studies pertaining to the equilibrium state in given geometric configurations, the transient flow leading to final state from an initial arbitrary distribution of propellant is rarely described. The present study is aimed at analysing the dynamic behaviour of the liquids under reduced gravity through numerical simulation and also addresses the specific case of propellant flow transient in a cone-in-a-sphere type of tank configuration proposed by Lal and Raghunandan which is likely to result in both improved acquisition and life time estimation of spacecraft. While addressing this specific problem, the present work aims to study the transient nature of such surface tension driven flows in a general form as applicable to other similar problems also. Volume of Fluid (VOF) method for multiphase model in ANSYS FLUENT was adapted with suitable changes for generating numerical solutions to this problem. Simulations were run for three different cone angles of 17o, 21o & 28o with a flat liquid surface for full scale models to measure the rise height and time of rise. Two scaled models of ½ and 1/10th of the original dimensions with the same liquid configuration of the 28o cone angle case were simulated to see if the time scales involved would come down for experimental feasibility. A third simulation of the 1/10th scale model was run with the liquid spread in the tank to imitate the general conditions found in the propellant tank in microgravity. To understand the behaviour of liquids in the microgravity state to changing physical parameters, a set of simulations was run using liquid phases as water and hydrazine with different physical parameters of temperature and surface tension. The theory put forward by Lal and Raghunandan was found to stand firm. In the case of the cone angle of 28o it was observed that in the final equilibrium state the liquid collected towards the apex of the cone with the larger volume fraction of liquid accumulating inside the cone. An addition of a cylindrical section at the bottom of the cone seems to help although not uniformly for all case. The equilibrium settling times for all the three cone angle cases were in the order of 300 to 600 seconds for simulations on a spherical tank of diameter two metres which was close to the actual tank dimension used on spacecraft. Scaled down simulations of 1/10th and ½ the tank geometry with both flat liquid surfaces and spread out liquid volumes showed that the smaller models had equilibrium settling times which were considerably lower (in the order of tens of seconds) than the full scale models. Although smaller, these time scales are larger than the maximum time scales available in drop tower tests which provide a maximum free fall time of around 9 to 10 seconds. Validation of the proposed configuration by flying an aircraft in a parabolic flight path is a possibility that could be explored for the scaled down models since the zero-g duration for these flights is on an average between 15-20 seconds.

Comprehensive rehabilitation projects of dam spillways are made in Sweden, due to stricter dam safety guidelines for their discharge capacity. The Piano Key Weir (PKW) is an innovative design which has proven effective through several renovation projects made in many countries including France. In this study we investigate the flow patterns around a prototype PKW, located in Escouloubre dam in southern France, with numerical simulations through three different flow cases in Ansys Fluent. A computational domain containing the PKW is created in the CAD software Ansys SpaceClaim for the simulations. Three polyhexcore meshes are further generated using Ansys Fluent Meshing. The three flow cases are then simulated with a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model, coupled with realizable k-epsilon and volume of fluid models. Through an assessment of the discretization error between three meshes, a relative error of one percent is obtained for the discharge rate. The numerical results are qualitatively compared with results from previously conducted physical experiments on this PKW. The RANS model does not capture the water surface undulations (due to turbulence) around the PKW. The effects from under modelled surface undulations are alleviated by inserting an air vent to the PKW, which results in a flow behaviour in good agreement with the physical experiments. Through this alteration, water discharge rates are computed with a maximum discrepancy of five percent compared with the corresponding experimental values. A large eddy simulation should be conducted in the future, to bring further light on air exchange and water interaction phenomena present in the PKW flow pattern.

<p> A numerical algorithm has been developed to solve the sloshing motion of liquid in a Tuned Liquid Damper (TLD) outfitted by slat screens under large and random amplitude of excitation. It is based on the finite-difference method. The free surface has been reconstructed using volume of fluid method. Donor-acceptor technique has been used for tracking the volume fraction field. The effect of slat screen has been included and modeled using the partial cell treatment method. </p> <p> The algorithm is an integrated fluid-structure model where the response of the structure is determined considering the effects of TLD. The structure is assumed as a single degree of freedom system (SDOF) and its response is calculated using the Duhamel integral method. </p> <p> The algorithm has been validated against experimental data for the cases with and without screens. An excellent agreement was obtained between numerical and experimental results. </p> <p> An extensive parametric study has been carried out investigating the effect of slat screens and screen pattern on the TLD performance and on the structure response. A new parameter termed as slat ratio was introduced to characterize the slat screens based on their pattern. Results indicated that screen pattern has a significant effect on the TLD performance and it could lead up to 33 % reduction in structure response. It was found that decreasing the slat ratio will increase the damping effect of a TLD outfitted by slat screen. </p> <p> The validity of the most commonly used approach, Baines and Peterson model, to calculate pressure drop of slat screens has been investigated. A conelation factor as a function of Reynolds number and solidity ratio of screen has been proposed to improve the results of this model. A new concept termed as effective solidity ratio has been proposed to account for the physical significant of screen pattern on TLD performance. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)